Newcastle
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Positives
- Every type of break
- Good city beachbreaks
- Lower crowd factor
- City or country
Negatives
- Newcastle crowds
- Industrial city landscape
- Sharky
- Pollution issues
Newcastle surf travel guide
Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter region are fast developing with urban expansion attracting a whole lot of people priced out of Sydney, looking for the Aussie beachside lifestyle. This means more surfers hitting the waves at iconic beaches like Merewether where Mark Richards honed his inimitable style. However north of town, glorious countryside beckons the curious to open beaches and sheltered points around Hawks Nest.
Surf spots in Newcastle
Research the 16 surf breaks in Newcastle and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Newcastle.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Newcastle
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Newcastle.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Newcastle Airport handles domestic flights by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and QantasLink on routes to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ballina. International arrivals will use Sydney (SYD) and make the 2.5hr drive on the toll roads.
Getting Around
Newcastle breaks are all accessible by public transport, but a car is needed to get you everywhere else. 4WD can open up further possibilities on the long expanses of back beach and tracks to secluded spots.
Accommodation
Too many great campsites to list (fr $20/n). Backpackers Newcastle give free surfing lessons (fr AU$60/dbl/n). Noah's on the Beach (fr $175/n). Beach Hotel Merewether best dining view. Hunter Valley vineyards when the surf has got sour grapes.
Activities
Great fishing everywhere. Cruise Lake Macquarie. Newcastle nightclubs.
Hazards & hassles
Record 8-day beach closure in Newcastle due to shark sightings. Many estuaries for nurseries and food. Locals can be brusque at the banner waves.
Handy Hints
M.R. has closed his shop but Slimes stock his boards.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.